14-Day Free-Range Cape Buffalo Safari | Bushmanland, Botswana
Booking Season: 2026
Hunt Difficulty: Difficult
Designed by Hunters, for Hunters
Luxury safari tents with en-suite bathrooms, attentive camp staff and exceptional dining provide a comfortable base in the heart of Bushmanland. Depending on elephant movements, comfortable fly camps may also be established deeper within the concession, allowing hunters to remain close to active bulls throughout the safari.
The NG4 and NG5 Bushmanland concessions consist of vast unfenced wilderness, fossil river systems, natural pans and lightly wooded Kalahari savannah. The generally flat terrain is ideal for tracking elephant on foot, with every hunt shaped by fresh spoor, favourable wind and the movements of free-ranging bulls.
| Fence Type: | Free-range |
| Nearest Airport Name: | Maun International Airport (MUB) |
| Air Charter Available: | Yes |
For American and international hunters, few dangerous game safaris carry the prestige of pursuing a mature Bushmanland elephant. Renowned for producing old desert bulls carrying long, well-balanced ivory, Botswana's remote NG4 and NG5 concessions have earned an international reputation among experienced elephant hunters seeking an authentic free-range safari. With strictly limited government permits and carefully managed quotas, every hunt represents a rare opportunity to follow one of Africa's greatest game animals through some of its last truly wild landscapes.
This ten-day safari takes place in the heart of Botswana's famous Bushmanland, where ancient migration routes, immense unfenced wilderness and exceptionally low hunting pressure continue to produce outstanding trophy elephants. Guided by internationally recognised outfitter Jaco and his experienced team, every hunt is conducted under strict ethical standards, combining professional guiding, sustainable wildlife management and decades of dangerous game experience.
The package includes a fully exportable trophy elephant of up to 55 pounds, with both the Botswana hunting licence and elephant trophy fee already included. Rather than measuring success by ivory alone, this safari focuses on locating an old, mature bull that has survived decades in one of Africa's harshest environments. Every track followed, every decision made and every final approach reflects the patience, discipline and respect that have always defined traditional Elephant Hunting in Botswana.
Bushmanland continues to stand apart as one of the finest regions for Hunting in Botswana. Vast wilderness still shapes every hunt, experienced trackers read the story behind every spoor, and mature elephant bulls roam these ancient landscapes much as they have for generations.
Price: US$42,000 per Hunter (1x1)
Duration: 10 Hunting Days / 11 Nights
Hunter Ratio: 1 Hunter : 1 Professional Hunter
Primary Trophy: One Fully Exportable Elephant (Maximum 55 lb Ivory)
Hunting Area: NG4 & NG5 Bushmanland Concessions, Botswana
Observer Rate: US$400 per Person per Day
Rifle Hire: US$60 per Hunting Day (Ammunition Charged at Cost)
Permit Availability: Strictly Limited Government-Issued Elephant Permits
An impressive set of tusks may capture the eye, but experienced elephant hunters know that ivory alone never tells the full story. Every mature bull carries the marks of a lifetime spent surviving Botswana's harsh environment. Worn tusk tips, polished ivory, scarred ears and a powerful, weathered frame all reveal years of travelling ancient migration routes, competing with younger bulls and enduring seasons of drought. These are the characteristics that transform an impressive elephant into a truly memorable trophy.
Judging an old bull is therefore about far more than pounds of ivory. Professional hunters carefully assess age, body condition, tusk symmetry and overall maturity before making any decision to begin the final approach. The objective is not simply to harvest the largest bull encountered, but to identify one that represents ethical, sustainable and responsible elephant management.
That philosophy has always been central to Africa's finest dangerous game safaris and remains one of the defining principles behind the Big Five Hunting tradition. Respect for the animal, patience throughout the hunt and the discipline to wait for the right opportunity will always outweigh the temptation to judge a trophy by measurements alone.
In Bushmanland, every old bull has earned its place. Hunting one is not simply about taking home remarkable ivory, it is about becoming part of the continuing story of one of Africa's greatest game animals.
No two elephant safaris are ever exactly alike. The age of the bulls, the terrain, the distance walked and even the way elephants use the landscape can vary significantly from one hunting area to another. Bushmanland has earned its reputation by consistently producing mature desert bulls that have adapted to one of Africa's harshest environments, making every successful hunt a reflection of patience, experience and sound judgement rather than chance.
Although this safari focuses on trophy elephants carrying up to 55 pounds of ivory, every mature bull tells a different story. Some carry beautifully balanced tusks, others display heavy bases or worn ivory that speaks to decades of survival in the African wilderness. Experienced professional hunters look beyond simple measurements, assessing the overall quality, age and character of each elephant before making the final decision to begin the stalk.
Hunters researching different Elephant Hunts across Africa will quickly discover that every destination presents its own unique challenges. Bushmanland's vast unfenced wilderness, ancient migration routes and low hunting pressure have helped establish this region as one of the continent's most respected elephant hunting areas, where success is measured not only by ivory, but by the quality of the hunt itself.
This safari begins with an international flight to Oliver Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg before connecting to Maun International Airport, Botswana's principal gateway to the Bushmanland hunting concessions. Depending on international flight schedules, hunters may prefer to overnight in Johannesburg before continuing to Maun the following day.
From Maun, hunters can either travel by road to the concession, a journey of approximately four hours, or choose a private charter flight that reaches camp in around one hour. The charter option is popular with hunters wanting to maximise valuable hunting time while enjoying spectacular aerial views of Botswana's vast wilderness.
The NG4 and NG5 concessions consist primarily of open Kalahari bushveld, fossil river systems, natural pans and lightly wooded savannah, with generally flat terrain allowing hunters to comfortably follow elephant spoor over long distances. Although the walking is rarely steep, successful elephant hunting rewards reasonable fitness, patience and the willingness to spend full days tracking mature bulls through one of Africa's last truly wild landscapes.
The Botswana elephant hunting season runs from April through September, with many professional hunters favouring the cooler months between late April and August. Dry conditions, thinner vegetation and comfortable daytime temperatures create ideal tracking conditions while making long days on foot considerably more enjoyable.
Firearm permits are arranged well in advance by the outfitter, allowing hunters to collect their documentation upon arrival in Botswana. Those travelling with their own rifles should ensure all supporting documentation is completed before departure, while quality rifle hire is available for hunters who prefer not to travel with firearms.
This safari takes place in Botswana's renowned NG4 and NG5 Bushmanland concessions, two adjoining hunting areas situated close to the Namibian border. Together they encompass vast tracts of unfenced wilderness that form part of one of southern Africa's oldest elephant migration routes. Mature bulls continue to move naturally between Botswana and Namibia, creating the kind of free-range elephant hunting that has made Bushmanland famous among experienced dangerous game hunters.
Bushmanland is defined by its immense scale, open wilderness and remarkably diverse terrain. Fossil river systems, natural pans, lightly wooded savannah and scattered rocky outcrops dominate the landscape, while the generally flat terrain allows hunters to cover significant distances as they follow fresh spoor. The famous Gcwihaba Valley, with its ancient fossil river and distinctive rocky hills, adds another unique feature to one of Botswana's most respected elephant hunting areas.
Beyond its outstanding elephant hunting, Bushmanland has also earned an international reputation for exceptional Cape Buffalo Hunts and outstanding Leopard Hunting in Botswana. Low hunting pressure, carefully managed government quotas and vast unfenced concessions preserve the traditional character of dangerous game hunting, where every mature bull is pursued on its own terms in true wilderness rather than within artificial boundaries.
Your safari begins with an international flight into Oliver Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg before connecting to Maun International Airport, Botswana's principal gateway to the Bushmanland concessions. Depending on international flight schedules, an overnight stay in Johannesburg may be advisable before continuing to Maun. From there, hunters can either enjoy the approximately four-hour road transfer to camp or choose a private charter flight, reducing travel time to around one hour while providing spectacular views over Botswana's wilderness.
Accommodation is provided in a traditional luxury safari camp designed specifically for dangerous game hunters. Spacious en-suite safari tents, attentive camp staff and outstanding cuisine create a comfortable base after long days in the field. Depending on the movements of the elephants, comfortable fly camps may also be established deeper within the concession, allowing hunters to remain close to active elephant bulls while preserving the authentic atmosphere of a classic African safari.
The NG4 and NG5 concessions are characterised by vast open wilderness, fossil river systems, natural pans and lightly wooded savannah, with generally flat terrain that is ideally suited to tracking elephant on foot. The hunting season runs from April through September, with many professional hunters favouring the cooler months between late April and August, when dry conditions and thinner vegetation create excellent tracking conditions. Firearm permits are arranged well in advance by the outfitter, allowing hunters to focus on the safari itself rather than the paperwork.
Not every elephant safari follows the same path. Bushmanland rewards hunters who value patience over haste, wilderness over convenience and the privilege of pursuing an old bull in one of Africa's last great free-range hunting areas. Every track followed, every mile walked and every decision made in the field becomes part of a safari built on tradition, respect and ethical hunting.
Whether this is your first elephant safari or another chapter in a lifetime of dangerous game hunting, Bushmanland offers an opportunity that few destinations can still provide. For hunters planning future Hunting Trips across Africa, this safari represents far more than the pursuit of ivory, it is the chance to experience one of the continent's greatest wilderness hunting traditions exactly as it has been for generations.
How much walking should I expect on this elephant hunt?
Elephant hunting in Botswana is an active safari that rewards patience and a reasonable level of fitness. Once fresh spoor has been found, hunters may spend several hours on foot following a mature bull through Bushmanland's vast wilderness. While the terrain is generally flat, long days and warm conditions make physical preparation worthwhile.
Why are Bushmanland elephants so highly regarded?
Bushmanland has earned an international reputation for producing mature desert bulls carrying long, well-balanced ivory. Low hunting pressure, ancient migration routes and carefully managed government quotas have helped preserve the area's exceptional elephant genetics while maintaining one of Africa's finest free-range elephant hunting destinations.
Can I bring my own dangerous game rifle?
Yes. Most international hunters choose to bring their own rifle, although quality rifle hire is also available. Firearm permits are arranged well in advance by the outfitter, making the arrival process straightforward for hunters travelling to Botswana.
What makes this safari different from other Elephant Hunts in Africa?
Every elephant destination offers its own unique challenges, but Bushmanland is defined by its vast unfenced wilderness, mature desert bulls and exceptionally low hunting pressure. Rather than hunting within small concessions, you'll follow naturally migrating elephants across one of Africa's last great elephant landscapes. Hunters comparing different Elephant Hunts will quickly appreciate why Bushmanland has earned such a respected reputation among experienced dangerous game hunters.
Please note that terms, conditions and price are subject to change without notice and rates at the time of the hunt will apply
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